Blythe O'Sullivan Obituary

To the O'Sullivans:

I just learned about your loss through the Bradley Hilltopics magazine. I was involved in the theatre with her.

I know that there is absolutely nothing that can be said, even months later, that can help at all ease the pain that you are feeling. I just wanted to let you know that my heart goes out to you. Blythe was a wonderful friend and a beautiful person, and we're all going to have a hole in our hearts, even those of us who didn't spend much time with her at all.

I offer you my condoleances. I didn't know your daughter but just finished my Peace Corps service and always served with the fear that I might not make it back to see my parents. I cannot imagine the pain you must be suffering. I hope that you have gotten as much information as possible regarding your daughter's death.

So sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. I was in the Theatre Department with Blythe at Bradley University and she was a ray of sunlight every day that I saw her and worked with her. I just found out of her departure today, and it saddens me greatly. I wish I knew before the service or I would have attended. I know, though that her spirit was so great that it will live on forever.

Joan and John:

Not a day has gone by since I learned about the loss of your baby girl - Blythe - that I haven't shed a tear for both of you and hope that you are ok.

So many people are sharing in your grief and wishing you strength as you try to understand why this would happen.

Since hearing the sad news, I have had the opportunity to read so many adoring email tributes and see pics of your dear baby girl, Blythe. She was loved by so many - spanning the globe - a true angel in our midst.

What a beautiful, sprited and caring daughter you both raised and were blessed with.

Your lives were blessed with this special angel - a free spirit with so much love that she chose to share it with the world. Blythe's time with you was much too short, but her footprint and loving spirit on this earth is forever.

Blythe will always be with you and you will always be with Blythe.

I am so, so, sorry for you loss.

CKW

Dear Mr. & Mrs. O'Sullivan, Though we never had the gift of meeting Blythe, she has deeply affected our lives. We arrived in Suriname to visit our son, Blythe's friend, Shai, the morning after her tragic death. The out pouring of love, admiration and sense of loss exhibited by her fellow PCVs provided a window into the life of an exceptional young woman. We carry with us a deep sense of loss and unfulfilled potential. When you are ready, we would very much like to talk to you and share with you some of the events of the week following Blythe's passing. When the time comes, please send us an e-mail and we can call you at your convenience. May the memory of your beautiful daughter be a blessing. Sincerest condolences from our family.

John and Joan,

My deepest heartfelt sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved Blythe.

Joan and Joe,
I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. My heart and prayers go out to you in this very difficult time. God bless both of you.

Jan Kohler

I knew Blythe back in girl scouts in grade school- such a long time ago. Her life was too short, but it's seems as though she was doing wonderful things with it and really making a difference in the world. My prayers are with her parents.

John and Joan,

I am very sad to hear of the loss of your daughter, Blythe. My condolences go out to both of you,

I recently met Blythe on Thanksgiving when I was in Suriname for vacation. I only met her briefly, but found her pleasant, funny, and giving. I was shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. My condolences to her family, and all of her fellow Peace Corps Volunteers.

Daniel Marlay - SUR 7
Peace Corps Suriname 2001-2003

I was fortunate to meet Blythe during my freshman year at Bradley University. For the next 4 years she was like a sister to me. I don't know what I would have done without her there. She always brightened every room she was in and her positive attitude was a constant inspiration. She will be sorely missed and my sympathies go out to her family and friends.

Dear John and Joan,
Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you at your time of loss.

Dear John and Joan,
I was deeply sadden to hear of the loss of your daughter. I would like to extend my condolences and let you know my prayers are with you. God bless.

Joan & John:
My many thoughts and prayers are with you. Blythe was an amazing young women who was a reflection of two amazing and loving parents. Without your love and the love of God, she would never have touched the many people she did.
Your friend, Darlene

Dear Mr. & Mrs. O'Sullivan,
It grieves me to hear of the loss of your daughter Blythe. It sounds like she was one of those rare shining stars that grace us with their presence. Thank you for the kindness you have shown me in the past, and I hope that the same kindness is passed to you now, in your time of need.
Sincerely,

John and family, Our prayers are with you. John & Marca Sears

Dear Joan and John,
Having thought of my dear friends countless times over the years, I was so saddened to read about "our baby Blythe". Joan, my heart breaks for you and John. Jim and I and the girls send our love and prayers with the hope God gives you and John the strenght you'll need to understand this tremendous loss. I'm proud of Blythe's amazing accomplishments.

I was fortunate enough to be on the Student Ministry Team with Blythe back in high school. She was an amazing person. I'll remember her kindness, warm smile and compassion for others. I'm so sorry for your loss.

John,
Although I never met your daughter she was a wonderful, giving person and the world is a better place because of her and those she helped. We are truly sorry for your loss and sorrow at this time. Please know our prayers are with your family.

Mr. & Mrs. O'Sullivan,
Blythe was a friend from high school (I was two years younger) as well as a friend through Bradley's Greek community. She was an amazing ray of sunlight and the world was a brighter place to have her. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. O'Sullivan,

How saddened I was to hear about Blythe. I remember her as a happy and bright shining star in our school from third grade and on through the grades to graduation. Our Heavenly Father will welcome her with open arms where she will be happy once again. My family and I send our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and to your family.

Dear Joan and John, A large hole has just formed with the loss of one of our Mullally/Phillips family. But Blythe will always be remembered as one of our own. God will take care of her as well as our parents. Love to you both, Nancy Mullally

Joan and John,
My deepest sympathies. I was deeply saddened to hear about Blythe. My prayers are with you.

Dear John and Joan,
Words cannot express how very sorry we are for your tremendous loss. Blythe was and always will be a ray of sunshine. From the time Blythe was a little girl, you knew how special and gifted this child was. You could not help but be impressed by her sweetness, her great laughter and most of all her beautiful blue eyes. All who knew Blythe were blessed!!!

Jan and Allen Prechtel

My Husband and I would like to extend our sympathey to the parents of Blythe Ann we are so sorry for your loss,May God Bless and hold you close during this difficult time,we did not know Blythe Ann but she has touched a spot in our hearts and I am sure she is at the lord's side resting well now.

I got to spend the bulk of my christmas eve's with Blythe at my family's christmas get together when we were younger. I also got to know her father from tailgating at Bear games. It's hard to believe she's gone, but her smile and good nature will live on in all those she touched in her life. I can't begin to imagine what her family is going thru at this point, but my condolences and prayers are with them.

Dear Joan and John,
Our paths met in Paramaribo, and on the road to Galibi, Suriname, earlier this year, as well as a glimpse in Trinidad/Tobago. We shared the February parent's visit with our Peace Corps children. Meeting Blythe then, she exuded joy and caring with every movement I witnessed. She truly was a child of peace and goodness, an example for us all. My heart is with you now and always. God Bless,

I got to know her when she wrote down times for the track team and when she ran cross country as a freshman at St. Francis High School. She was a good person to talk to before and after races. She was a very nice person who always volunteered for things. She will be missed by all. May the Lord give her his peace.

I taught Blythe at St. Francis and remember her well. She was beautiful inside and out. I also remember the close relationship the three of you had. I am so saddened by this news. My prayers and the prayers of my students are with you.

Please accept our sympathy and prayers as you grieve the loss of your daughter.
Sincerely,
Kerry and Scott Galson PCV 2000-2002 Brokopondo, Suriname

Oh Joan,

I remember how very special Blythe was to you. Please feel all the love around you right now for Blythe, you, and John.

Rhonda

I had the privilege of meeting your daughter recently in Paramaribo. She was a very special young lady who had a tremendous impact on those around her. In this lifetime, we will never know her impact on the world. May God grant you His peace and grace as you deal with your loss. My prayers are with you.

Dear Joan,

My son served with Blythe in Peace Corp and she was my window to seeing my son. It is with the deepest sense of loss that I send you this note to let you know that I had spoken with Blythe, and that her bright spirit and energy had touched my life and my son's as well.
Sincerely,

Patrice

What a remarkable young woman, whom I'm sure was a true blessing to all who knew her. Your family must be so proud.

May we please extend our condolences on the loss of your beloved daughter.

God Bless
and

To Blythe Ann's parents,

Words can never express the depth of grief you are feeling or the sympathy that I extend to you and your family on the loss of your beautiful daughter. My son, Matthew Costa, died last year in Mali also while serving in the Peace Corps. I know your excruciating pain. I hope that as time passes, your pain will begin to soften as you remember your beautiful daughter and all the lives she touched. If you want to talk with another parent who has been down this path, please feel free to e-mail me at [email protected] or call me at 860-677-0480. Again, my deepest deepest condolences.

Dear Joan - Please accept my deepest sympathy at the loss of your daughter. I can think of no greater loss than that of a child. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers.

I just wanted to share my heartfelt sympathies to your family. I am a recently returned Peace Corps Volunteer who had two friends taken away while I was serving, so I truly understand the heartache that is being felt in the Peace Corps community. Blythe will never be replaced, and the world was a special place because she was in it. Please take care.

Dear Mr. & Mrs. O'Sullivan,
I am a Rotarian from Higginsville, MO. that met Blythe earlier this year. Our club helped to get the water project for her village. I was so sorry to hear of the accident. She is a neat person and she loved that village. I am so glad I was able to meet her and help her get water to the village she loved so much. My deepest sympathy goes to your family.

There are no words to describe our sadness over the loss of Blythe. She was an amazing woman with equally amazing parents. Her life was full and deeply meaningful to many. We pray for her family and all of those who were touched by her spirit and time on this Earth.

My deepest sympathy to you on the loss of your dear Blythe Ann. May you know that those who never met her share in your tremendous loss. Take comfort in knowing that, eventually, when you think of her your tears will turn to smiles.
You are in my prayers.

Dear O'Sullivan Family,
Your daughter Blythe's story has spread and touched many who never had the pleasure of meeting her. Her generous spirit will live on in very act of love exhibited by her big Irish family. As we grieve the loss of our our daughter Kathleen, an Americorp volunteer who died this year, we will keep you and yours in our prayers.
The Garrigan Family

Deepest condolences for your loss. We thank her for her service and dedication. She will be missed by many.